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Non-Prog CD Reviews

The 69 Cats

Seven Year Itch

Review by Gary Hill

It's definitely appropriate to have this review in the October issue of Music Street Journal. The 69 Cats' blend of old time rock and roll with punk metal and more has plenty of horror music concept in the lyrics and imagery of the songs. This set really rocks with pretty much every song being effective. This is a fine addition to the band's catalog.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021  Volume 5. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review
She's Hot
Pounding in with a driving metal sound, this thing is fierce and oozes cool. The lyrics and vocals bring a horror vibe. There are some hints of Elvis Presley here, too.
Hollywood's Bleeding
Hard edged Goth rock with a lot of Americana is in the driver's seat on this track. While this is less in-your-face, it is also more accessible than the opener was. It is a catchy tune.
(You're) The Kind of Girl I Need
This is a screaming hot rocker with both heavy metal and old-school rock and roll in the mix. That retro sound is particularly present on the double-time movements. This is another catchy and classy rocker.
Good Time to Die
The meaty goth and roll sound on this is so strong. This is one of the standout cuts. Given the competition that says a lot. Everything about this piece works so well at creating a rocking jam with a killer atmosphere.
Graveyard Blues
I really dig this cool tune. It has plenty of classy old school rock and roll with a modern touch to it. There is some particularly meaty guitar soloing on this beast.
Hey World
More directly punk-oriented, this is a nice change. It's also a lot of fun with a lot of energy.
(Let's Go) Psycho
Frantic, furious and so classy, this has such great retro rock and roll tones to it. It's a real stomper.
Vampire Shuffle
While there aren't any surprises here, this crypt rock and roller is all class and style.
Teddy Boy Boogie
A bluesy boogie tune, this is more traditional than some of the others are. It's no less effective.
The Hell of The Mountain King
This is based on the classical piece that you would guess based on the title. The changing of "Hall" to "Hell" tells you that they will make it their own, and they do. They borrow the instantly recognizable main theme, but they turn it and twist into a killer punky retro rock jam. This instrumental is exploratory, tasty and so strong. In fact, it might be my favorite piece of music on the disc.
I'm Evil
This stomper isn't a big surprise, but it rocks with so much style and dark charm that it's scary.
It Ain't Enough
Up-tempo and hard rocking, this is perhaps a bit less interesting than some of the rest. The energy and flash of the cut make up for that, though.

 

 
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